Harmonizing Flavors: Can You Cook Brown And White Rice Together?

Yes, you can cook brown rice and white rice together. Steps to cook white-and-brown rice combination:

  • The ratio of both rice should be 1:1.
  • Keep brown rice in water and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  • Combine white and brown rice together.
  • Add water to the combo.
  • Cook the mixture for 20-40 minutes.
  • Then steam it for 10 minutes.

Following these steps, you get a delicious and nutritious meal option. You can learn more ways to cook white and brown rice together by following the article. 

Key Takeaways 

Can You Cook Brown Rice And White Rice Together?

Yes, you can cook white and brown rice together. To cook both the rice together, mix equal parts of both rice. You get a fluffy and chewy dish by combining white and brown rice together. This addition of both types of rice gives meals extra flavor and depth. It also brings in the health benefits of both types of rice. 

You get the nutritional advantage of both rice by cooking them together. The white-and-brown rice combination will give the texture of white rice and the nutrition of brown. So, it’s healthier than white rice but still has its familiar flavor of it. 

There’s no specific ratio of brown and white rice mixture that you need to follow. But an equal ratio is a good combination. The amount of water should be adjusted too. The combination of brown and white rice will give a fluffy and chewy texture after cooking. 

A Comparison of Brown Rice and White Rice 

Brown rice is the intact form of rice with bran, germ, and endosperm and so known as whole-grain rice. On the other hand, white rice is made by refining brown rice so most nutrients are lost in the process.

Factors Brown rice White rice 
Form Contains bran, germ, and endospermDon’t contain germs and bran.
Fiber contentIt has more fiber and nutrients.As white rice is refined and processed it doesn’t have fiber.
Texture and tasteNutty and dense Fluffy and thin
Time to cook40-45 minutes 20 minutes

As brown rice is denser than white rice, it takes more time and more water to cook. But you can cook brown rice quickly with good rice cooker brands.

brown and white rice
Source: Good Housekeeping

How To Cook Brown Rice And White Together?

You can cook white rice faster than brown ones. So, the 50-50 ratio is the best method to cook this combination. In this process, you cook equal parts of white rice and brown rice together after soaking the brown rice. 

Ingredients: 

  • 1 cup of white rice 
  • 1 cup of brown rice
  • 4 cups of water 
  • 1 tbsp cooking oil (optional)
  • Salt for (taste)

Steps of cooking: 

  • Rinse white rice and brown rice water separately under cold water until the water runs clean. This will remove the excess starch and ensures the grains cook evenly. 
  • Put the brown rice in water and let it sit for 20 minutes.
  • Then, mix the white rice with soaked brown rice. 
  • Add 4 cups of water to the pot with the mixed rice. Be careful with the water-to-rice ratio. 
  • If you want, you can pour 1 tsp of olive oil and add some salt. This will make it taste better.
  • Put the rice combo and set medium heat. Boil the water and stir it occasionally.
  • As the water has boiled, reduce the heat to low. Use a lid to cover the pot. 
  • Let the mixed rice simmer on low heat for about 45-50 minutes. This makes the rice soft and chewy.
  • Let the rice rest for at least 5 minutes after the rice has been cooked. This allows it to absorb the remaining moisture and steam the grains further. 
  • After that, use a fork to separate the grains and release the steam.
  • Serve the mixed brown and white rice as a flavorful dish. 

This is the normal process to cook both rice together. But for a more specific method, you can try cooking both rice separately before mixing them together. 

But if you are still not sure how to cook brown and white rice together, refer to this video

Product Feature 
Nishiki Premium Rice Vegan-friendlyAll-natural
Nishiki Premium Brown Rice All-natural For everyday consumption

Are there any specific cooking methods for mixing white and brown rice together?

Yes, there is. You can cook brown rice and white separately before combining them together. 

White rice is faster to cook than brown rice. Moreover, the water-to-rice ratio is different for both rice. If you don’t adjust the time and use the correct amount of water, the brown rice will be overcooked. 

Thus, if you cook brown rice and white rice individually, it will allow them to cook evenly and brown rice won’t be overcooked.

cooking methods for mixing white and brown rice together
Source: Wellness Pediatrician

Cooking Brown Rice And White Rice In A Rice Cooker?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking brown and white rice together in a rice cooker:

  • Soak 1 cup of brown rice in water for at least an hour and set it aside.
  • Then take out 1 cup of white rice and mix it with the soaked brown rice. 
  • Rinse the mixture under cold water. Rinse it for 4 washes or until the water is clear.
  • Put the rice combo in the rice cooker.
  • Then pour some water and start cooking.
  • After the rice has been cooked, let it stand in the rice cooker for about 10 minutes for fluffing. 
  • Then let it rest for at least 10 minutes to absorb the remaining moisture.

Cooking White-And-Brown Combination Rice in A Pressure Cooker?

Here are the steps to cook white-and-brown rice combination in a pressure cooker:

Preparing brown rice:

  • Wash brown rice with cold water. Rinse and rub the brown rice with both hands 4-5 times.
  • Put the brown rice in the pressure cooker after draining the water. 
  • Then pour 4 and ¼ rice cups of water into the rice. 
  • For taste, use a pinch of salt however it is optional.
  • Let the rice rest in water for around 6 hours.

Preparing White Rice: 

  • Now prepare 4 cups of white rice by washing and rinsing it. Rub the rice around 5 times.
  • Add water (4 cups) to the rice.
  • You can pour 1 tbsp of olive oil if you want and put it aside. 

Cooking Brown Rice And White Rice Together:

  • Cook the brown rice individually in the pressure cooker on low heat for 20 minutes.
  • After 20 minutes, add white rice with brown rice in the pressure cooker. 
  • Then stir and mix them quickly.
  • Put the lid on and turn up the heat to high for pressure.
  • Wait for 1 minute. Don’t wait more than a minute to avoid white rice getting soggy. 
  • Put it on for 1 minute in high pressure and then turn the heat back to low and cook for 30 minutes.
  • After cooking, let the rice rest in the cooker for around 20 minutes. 

While these are the ways you can cook white-and-brown combination together, rice can be cooked in the microwave too. But if your microwave is heated when not in use, seek help from a professional. 

Is Cooking Brown Rice And White Rice Healthy?

Yes, cooking brown rice and white rice is healthy. In fact, it is healthier than white rice as the addition of brown rice enriches its nutritional value. 

White rice is high in carbs but low in fiber so it is a source of energy. And brown rice is high in fiber, low in carbs, and a good source of manganese, selenium, and magnesium. So, it is healthier than white rice. 

So, when you combine both white rice and brown rice, you get a healthy meal enriched with all nutrients. Additionally, the combination can add variety to the flavor and texture of your cooked rice. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can You Cook Brown Rice With Quinoa?

Yes, you can cook brown rice with quinoa. Quinoa is similar to rice so it can be cooked together and in the same time frame. You can cook quinoa and brown in a stovetop or rice cooker. But cooking in a pressure cooker will give you the best result. 

How Long Does White-and-Brown Rice Combo Last?

The cooked combo of white rice and brown rice can last up to 4 days if it is refrigerated. To get a good taste after refrigeration, reheat the rice combo with 1 tablespoon of water before microwaving. 

What Food Combinations Can Make With White And Brown Rice?

You can stir-fry white and brown rice, add it to a veggie burger, or fry it with eggs. Moreover, you can use the combination to make delicious risotto, flavorful one-pot meals, or breakfast dishes. 

Closing Words 

So, coming to the question- can you cook brown rice and white rice together? 

Yes, you can cook both the rice together. Just make sure that you adjust the time and water ratio as it is different for both of them.

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